Exploring the beer scene in Dorset is an adventure everyone who loves beer should embark on. Dorset boasts some of the best breweries offering unique and flavourful beers.
From traditional ales to innovative craft brews, there’s something for every palate.
Here, you will discover some of the best breweries that offer not only great beer but also engaging tours and tastings.
Visiting these breweries can provide a deeper appreciation of the brewing process and the local culture.
It’s a fantastic way to support local businesses and enjoy some of the finest beers Dorset has to offer.
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Palmers Brewery
Palmers Brewery is in the heart of Bridport. It’s one of the UK’s oldest independent brewers, established in 1794.
The brewery combines traditional methods and scientific know-how to produce award-winning ales, including five core styles and seasonal brews.
The brewery’s tours offer a deep dive into their brewing process, allowing you to explore the historic brewhouse.
Each tour includes a look at their traditional equipment and a chance to sample their famous ales.
Palmer’s pubs are scattered across many scenic locations, including country villages and the Jurassic Coast.
📍 Old Brewery, W Bay Rd, Bridport DT6 4JA
Lyme Regis Brewery
Lyme Regis Brewery, originally known as The Town Mill Brewery, is situated in the historic Town Mill courtyard.
Established by a group of beer lovers in 2010, it was rebranded in 2014 to align more with the iconic Jurassic Coast.
The brewery is dedicated to crafting unique and highly drinkable beers. Wes, Adam, Elliott, and Dan took over in December 2018, transforming it into a hub for craft beer enthusiasts.
The Lyme Regis Brewery offers an inviting tap room called The Battery Room, where visitors can sample a variety of beer, cider, wine, and spirits. You can sit outside in the lively courtyard, enjoy a drink and catch some live music that is sometimes held in the yard.
📍 Mill Ln, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU
Hall and Woodhouse
This Dorset-based brewery has been family-owned since 1777.
Charles Hall started the brewery in the village of Ansty. By 1793, Hall was supplying beer to British troops.
The business became Hall & Woodhouse when Robert Hall partnered with Edward Woodhouse, leading to a family union.
You can take a tour of the brewery and learn about the inner workings, learn about the process and the love that goes into brewing the beer.
Today, they boast over 180 pubs across the south of England, serving their iconic Badger beer.
📍 The Brewery, Blandford St Mary, Blandford Forum DT11 9LS
Sixpenny Brewery
Opening its doors in 2007, Sixpenny Brewery has become a beloved spot in Cranborne. Founded by Scott Wayland, the brewery initially started with a small 2.5-barrel setup but quickly grew due to high demand and support from the local community.
By 2016, it moved to a larger Victorian barn and stable to accommodate its expanding business.
The brewery offers a cosy tap room known as “The Sixpenny Tap,” providing a unique chance to sample fresh beers right from the source.
Three regular beers are brewed year-round, along with a variety of seasonal offerings. Bespoke beers are also crafted for select clients.
📍 Holwell Farm, Wimborne BH21 5QP
Poole Hill Brewery
Poole Hill Brewery offers a unique experience for beer lovers. Opened in 2013, it sits in a historic building from 1880, which has been beautifully restored to its Victorian glory.
The Victorian-style tap room hosts tours and tastings, providing insights into the brewing process. Enjoy live music ranging from Blues to Folk at the fully licensed bar, which serves local and international drinks.
The brewery’s commitment to the environment is noteworthy, using sustainable practices throughout their operations. Additionally, all their beers are vegan-friendly.
📍 41-43 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW
Eight Arch Brewing Co.
Eight Arch Brewing Co. brings brewing back to Wimborne after almost 80 years. Named after Julian’s Bridge’s iconic arches, they produce hop-forward pales, IPAs, and dark stouts.
Their brewhouse operates with a passion for high-quality beers. They have earned awards like the National Small Pack Champion in 2020.
The brewery grew from a single person to a strong team, adding fermenters and a canning line. Their tap room, a pop-up bar, is open Fridays and Saturdays.
📍 1, Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne BH21 1HB
Dorset Brewing Company
Founded in 1996, Dorset Brewing Company continues an 800-year-old brewing tradition in Weymouth on the stunning Jurassic Coast.
The brewery has expanded significantly and now operates from a state-of-the-art brewhouse in Crossways.
Here, they produce popular Jurassic Coast brands and limited edition craft ales, all made with spring water.
The tap room welcomes visitors every Friday from 4pm to 10:30pm. Brewery tours are also available on Fridays at 3pm, lasting about an hour. Tours end just as the tap room opens, making it ideal for those who wish to stay longer.
📍 Hybris Business Park, Crossways, Dorchester DT2 8BF
Cerne Abbas Brewery
Cerne Abbas Brewery sits in the beautiful Cerne Valley, known for its perfect beer-making water. The brewery’s rich history goes back to the 10th century.
Monks at Cerne Abbey started brewing at that time. Brewing returned to the area in 2016 after a long break.
The brewery uses top-quality ingredients, including Maris Otter barley grown by local organic farmer Will Best.
Their beers, like Cerne Abbas Ale and Gurt Rum Cask Coconut, have won multiple awards.
You can enjoy fresh ales in the beer garden and bring your own picnic. The brewery is dog-friendly, but pets should be kept on a lead.
📍 Dorchester Rd, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JS
